Dispensing container for liquids and an extensible and retractable discharge spout therefor



Nov. 8, 1955 T SMITH 2,723,056

A. DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDS AND AN EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLEDISCHARGE SPOUT THEREFOR Filed March 17, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR7..5 4/771 ATTORNEY- N 1955 A. T. SMITH DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIQUIDSAND AN EXTENSIB AND RETRACTABLE DISCHARGE SPOUT THEREFOR Filed March 17,1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VENTOR ATTORNEYS United States Patent"DISPENSING CONTAINER. FOR LIQUIDSAND AN EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLEDISCHARGE SPDUT THEREFOR Alva T. Smith, Milwaukee, Wis.

Application March 17, 1954, Serial No. 416,821

19 Claims. (Cl. 222-396) The present invention relates to theart ofdispensing.

More particularly, this invention relatesto, a container of the typegenerally utilized for liquid storage and dispensing with particularreference to the handling of gasoline, oil, and mixtures thereof, andwhich containers incorporate a discharge spout and a pump to facilitatedischarge.

Still more particularly, thisinvention relates to a portable fuel can orliquid container incorporating improved discharge spout characteristics.

The prior art is replete with storage containers for gasoline and otherfuels which incorporate a pump and which usually embody a relativelyshort nozzle or spout that is normally closed by a dust cap and throughwhich the contents are dispersed.

It has been ascertained through experience that containers of this typefilled with gasoline and/or oil fuels, and utilized for carryingareserve supply of such fuel in motor vehicles, for power-motor boats ofthe outboard type, or for operating power mowers, and other forms ofliquid fuel operated devices, are quite cumbersome to handle. Forexample, since gasoline weighs-approximatelyeight pounds to the gallon,a filled five-gallon-container for gasoline will weigh in excess offortypounds and this weight must be manipulated in transferring the'fuel fromthe container to the fuel tankof a vehicle, powermower, or the like. Itis thus'obvious that such a cumbersome arrangement is not ideallysuited'to the physical limitations of women or other slightstaturedindividuals.

It is therefore a primary object of the pres'ent'invention to provide anextensible and retractable spout or'hosein association with a fuelcontainer which will permit dispensing of the contents of the containerwithout manipulating the container and its contents.

it is a further object to providean improved mounting for a flexible oran'elongated spout thatincludes'means for cleaning and dryingtheexterior of the hose or spout as it is extracted or extended and forremoving any. dirt from the exterior of the hose orspout as itisreinserted into the container.

As a further particular object, a gasket'of the squeegee type embracesthehose and which in' addition 'to' cleaning functions further operatesas an automatic overpressure release valve during manipulation of a.pump associated with the container and used during dispensing.

As a still further specific object, the g'asket means is 60 movablymounted with relation to a rigid'apertured diaphragm associated with adischarge spoutor'is movable relative to any other suitable opening inor at the top of a container so that the gasketmeans can move up anddown due to friction of the hose when the hose is moved in and out ofthe container to open or close an air escape port in the diaphragm orthe opening in dependence upon the direction of movement of the hose.

As a further object, the gasket and hose are so associated with theaperturein the rigid diaphragm or with the opening in the container asto provide a safetyfea'ture that prevents the build-up-ofundesirable-excesspressure in a container when the same is filled andclosed and is in storage or is being transported.

As a further object, the present invention provides a dispensingcontainer for gasoline or other fuel which incorporates an air pump tofacilitate discharge, an eX- tensible and retractable hose or spout anda valve associated with the container and providing a secondary airpressure release and thus an instantaneous flow control.

As a further particular object, the present invention incorporates meansassociated with the inner end of the hose, that is the end normallyretained within the con tainer, that maintains the intake end of thehose on or at the bottom of the container so as to facilitate asubstantially complete emptying of the container.

Further and more specific objects will be apparent from the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

Figure l is a view partly in section and partly in elevationillustrating the improved fuel container and the extensible andretractable hose,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view on an enlarged scaleillustrating the hose and the mounting means associating the same withthe container as it appears with the hose being withdrawn,

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating the inventionwith the hose reinserted Within the container and a closure cap applied,

Figure 3a is a fragmentary view illustrating certain parts of Figure 3in different position,

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 44-" of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating a modified formof gasket means,

Figure 6 is a view of the arrangement of Figure 5 as viewed from thebottom, and

Figures 7 and 8 are fragmentary views on an enlarged scale illustratingthe intake end of the hose and the meansfor maintainingthe same'at or'onthe bottom of the container. 7

Asshown in the drawings, the container'of the present invention includesa body portion l comprising sides, top and a bottom. The top is providedwith a series of apertureswith which are respectively associated a pump2, the rigid spout 3-that receives the hose, and a-pushbutton flowcontrol valve 4.

The'pump 2' is constructed as a unit with an *internally threaded cap 5that fits over an externally threaded lip 6 provided on the top of thecontainer. The pump is an aluminum'air pump and includes a barrel withinwhich a piston is'reciprocal upon actuation of the'handle 7. The barrelpasses throughthe cap 5 and is rigidly mounted-relative thereto andincorporates an'internally threaded end closure 8 through whichthepiston rod is guided. The threaded barrel closure 8 is providedwith-a vent opening 9. It is believed obvious that manipulation of thehandle forces air under pressure through pump outlet'2 into the body ofthe container building uppressure therein on the body of the liquid toforce the same through the hose, under control of valve 4.-

The rigid spout 3is provided at its upper' end with external threads andan internal flange 10. Acap member 11 that is internally threaded'at itslower'end is engaged over the threads on the spout 3. This'cap member 11incorporates a metallic centrally apertured diaphragm 12 and a gasket 13of a neoprene and cork mixture or of a synthetic rubber or, in anyevent, material that is not attacked by gasoline, oil and other'fuel tobe stored in the container. Movably m'ounted' relative to the aperturein the diaphragm 12 is a flexible neoprene gasket 14 of aparticularshape'andfunction-and that embraces :a length of flexible hose15. v

The hose ls could be' of any desiredilengtn cornmensurate with the sizeof the container. For example, for a five-gallon container the hose isapproximately six feet long thus having an effective length of at leastfour feet. Of course in shorter containers with less verticaldimensions, the six foot length of hose will have a more effectivelength. The relationship of the gasket 14 and the rigid diaphragm 12 isof particular importance. The gasket 14 includes a tubular body portion16 that has an axial extent approximating the diameter of the hose.Midway of the length of the tubular portion and extending inwardlythereof is a flexible rib it? that functions as a squeegee with relationto the hose. Thus the gasket embracing the hose presents an arrangementin which the inner diameter of the tubular gasket portion is in excessof the outer diameter of the hose while the diameter of the openingdefined by the flexible rib 17 is less than the outer diameter of thehose. Further, the outer diameter of the tubular portion is less thanthe diameter of the aperture or port 18 that is provided in thediaphragm 12. The gasket has spaced upper and lower flexible flanges at19 and 20 each having a diameter substantially in excess of the opening18 so as to associate the gasket with the diaphragm 12 and preventaccidental disassociation of these members. The hose thus fits withinthe gasket 14 and is movable rela tive thereto, whereas the gasket isloosely mounted within the opening 18 and it and the hose are movablerelative to the diaphragm 12. The cap 11 is provided with an enlargedportion overlying the gasket and diaphragm and which portion has ventopenings 21 therein for purposes hereinafter explained. A dust cap 22that is internally threaded cooperates with external threads on theupper and reduced end of the cap 11. The outer end of the hose isprovided with an annular gasket 23 which seats between the top of theneck of the cap 11 and the dust cap 22, as shown in Figure 3, and whichgasket 23 is used to associate the discharge end of the hose with afilling opening in a fuel tank or the like.

As regards the functioning of the gasket 14 and as clear from Figure 2with the hose extracted or being extracted, the rib 17 will closelyembrace the exterior of the hose to clean and dry the same duringextraction and thus prevent any gasoline or other fuel escaping with themoving hose. Furthermore, the pressure in the container coupled with themovement of the hose outwardly will seat flange against the undersurfaceof diaphragm 12. Any over-pressure existing within the container isautomatically compensated for by the flexibility of the rib 17 whichwill yield to such gaseous pressure permitting a release thereof. Therib 17 further functions to clean the exterior of the hose when the hoseis being pushed back into the container to reach the position shown inFigure 3, since the rib will flex or reverse itself due to the frictionexerted by the hose. Thus the rib constitutes a squeegee. Further, thegasket operates as a safety valve due to the flexibility of the flanges19 and 20. In Figure 3, flange 19 assumes the dotted line position whenit operates as an over-pressure release valve when the container isclosed and sealed. For example, a gasoline can that is in storage or intransit will have internal pressure fluctuations due to varyingtemperature conditions and the positional and structural arrangement ofthe gasket is such as to prevent the build-up of undesirable pressureconditions within the container during storage and transportation. Anypressure that builds up within the container will be released and therelease path is indicated by the arrows in Figures 3 and 3a. The gas orair under pressure and seeking escape will lift the flange 19, Figure3a, and escape out of the vent openings 21 of which at least two or moreare provided in the cap 11. Thus the gasket has several importantfunctions relative to the hose and to the escape port or opening 18 inthe diaphragm 12. As previously indicated, it

cleans and dries the exterior of the hose removing gas and oil and otherfuel therefrom as the hose is extracted, and it further removes all dirtas the hose is returned to the interior of the container. Theyieldability of the rib 17 releases over-pressure while pum ing fuel.Since the tubular portion 16 of the gasket has less transversedimensions than those of the port 18, the gasket moves up and down withthe hose and thus flange 20 covers the port 18 as soon as extraction ofthe hose is started and then the pressure within the container holds itclosed. When the hose and gasket move downwardly as the hose is beingreturned, the flexibility of flange 19 will permit air release as thehose is returned to the can and will prevent the build-up of undesirablepressure within the can or container while it is being stored or intransit.

Figure 4 clearly shows the relative dimensional arrangements andclearances between the hose and the inner wall of the tubular portion 16and between the lip or edge of port 18 and the outer surface of thetubular portion 16 of the gasket.

In Figure 5, there is illustrated a modification in which the rigiddiaphragm 12 and the squeegee acting rib 17 are eliminated as separateintegers and a flexible diaphragm 24 is utilized in lieu thereof. Thisdiaphragm 24 is mounted between a gasket 25 similar to gasket 13 and aninner shoulder on the cap 11. The central opening 24' in the diaphragm24 is so correlated with the external dimensions of the hose that thematerial at the edge of this opening as at 26 provides a squeegee actingportion embracing the hose to clean and dry the hose as it is beingextracted and to prevent any dirt from passing into the interior of thecontainer as the hose is reinserted therein. A slit 27 is provided inthe flexible diaphragm 24 to function as a safety valve as regardsover-pressure when a container is in storage or transit and to alsopermit elimination of over-pressure while fuel is being pumped.

In Figures 7 and 8 are embodied one example of an arrangement formaintaining the intake end of the hose at least closely adjacent thebottom of the container. The intake end of the hose is provided with aconventional cap of fine mesh screen material that prevents the entry ofany sediment into the hose. Mounted adjacent the cap is a permanentmagnet 28. This magnet is a Carboloy Alnico permanent magnet that issintered to a shape that is known in the trade as the round U-shape. Themagnet is provided with a central opening and is secured to the hose bya wire 29 that passes over the hose through the central opening in themagnet and is bent outwardly to lie in the recess 30 formed in the baseof the magnet. The pull of the magnet is in the direction toward itsflat side or top 31. Therefore, the magnet is held against the bottom ofthe container and holds the intake end of the hose close to the bottomso that substantially all the contents of the container can bedispensed.

To utilize the container of this invention for transferring liquid fromthe container to a tank, for example, the fuel tank of a motor vehicle,the dust cap 22 is removed and the hose is withdrawn about one foot andthen grasped between the thumb and forefinger to shut off the hose. Theupward pull will close the air vent by applying flange 20 against theunder-surface of diaphragm 12. The operator then imparts about tenstrokes to the hand pump while continuing the upward pull on the hose.This action provides air pressure to seal the flange 20 against thediaphragm. The hose is then withdrawn to the required length and thenozzle washer 23 is hooked under the neck of the filling opening in thefuel tank. The grip on the hose is then released and fuel flow started.While the fuel is flowing, the pump is pumped slowly. In order to stopthe flow of fuel, the valve 4 is manipulated by pushing on thepush-button.

This flow control valve, in addition to the push-button 4, includes astem that passes through an opening in the top of the can that is oflarger diameter than the diameter of the stem. Mounted on the bottom ofthe" stem and cooperable with the under-surface: of the container is awasher or annular sealing element. A spring'is biased between the top ofthe container and the under-surface of the push-button to normally holdthe washer against the under-surface of the container to seal the same.The spring is quite strong and the Washer bears with a plastic or rubberring on the underside of the top of the container to form an adequateseal.

It is believed obvious that the container may be filled either byremoving the cap with the pump embodied therewith, or by removing thecap 11 and the hose that is attached thereto. In most instances,-however, the container is filled by removing the cap 5 and the pump. Asuitable bail type handle is incorporated with the top of the containerto facilitate carrying the same.

It is believed clear, therefore, that the present invention provides incombination with a fuel container an air pump to build up pressure inthe container to facilitate discharge, an escape valve in the top of thecontainer to constitute a flow control and an-extensibleand retractablenozzle associated with the top of the container and which nozzle is ofsubstantial length to permit discharge of the contents at a pointrelatively remotefrom the container to eliminate manipulation of theweight of the container and its contents. The nozzle is in the form of aflexible hose and a unique and novel gasket means surround the hose andis removably associated with the top of the container. The gasket meanscomprising a rubber or synthetic rubber body having upper and lower,spaced, flexible flanges interconnected by a tubular portion and mountedwithin an opening in a diaphragm. Projecting internally of the tubularport-ion is an annular flexible rib that cooperates with the exterior ofthe hose to clean and dry the same as it is extracted and to prevent anydirt or other matter entering the container as the hose is reinserted.The diaphragm and gasket are removably associated with the container topby a removable cap that includes a dome. portion provided with ventopenings.

In the modified form of Figures 5- and 6, the invention includes aflexible diaphragm having a slit therein and a central opening, with theslit beingnormallyv closed. The dimensions of the central opening'are socorrelated with the external dimensions of. the hose that the materialat the inner edge of the diaphragm, bounding. the. central opening,flexes due to the friction of the hose as it is extracted or reinsertedin the container to respectively clean and dry the hose on extractionand prevent dirt from passing into the container on reinsertion.

The invention further includes means for maintaining the intake end ofthe hose on or at the bottom of the container during and after the outerend of the base has been extracted.

It is to be pointed out that the. features ofthe. present inventionrelating to the extensible and retractable hose and its mounting meansare not exclusively limited to utilization with a container thatincorporates an air pump.

Furthermore, the invention is not to be limited for use with a flexiblehose since in some instances the mounting features, namely, the flexiblegasketmeans in association with an escape port can be embodied incombination with a rigid spout that is to be extended or retractedrelative to the container. It is notnecessary that the opening withwhich the extensible and retractable hose or spout is associated be inthe top of the container since if no air pump is employed it might bedesirable to have the hose or spout located at or adjacent the bottom ofthe container.

The drawings illustrate a practical exemplification of the invention asapplied to a combination including a pump to facilitate discharge.

As previously stated, the length of the flexible hose that is utilizedcan .vary in accordance with purposes intended, but for all practicalpurposes the axial extent, of'the hose should be several times thevertical dimensions of the container which will permit thetransportation of the container in the luggage carrier or trunk of anautomobile and-the transfer of gasoline from the container to the fueltank of the automobile without the necessity of moving the container.

It is further to be pointed out that the inventive phases of thisapplication comprehendin addition to combination features including thecontainer and pump, an improved mounting means for an extensible andretractable hose or spout.

It is to be further understood that structural modifications,eliminations and additions may be resorted to so long as they do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A dispensing container for liquids including an air pump, saidairpump havingan outlet and means mounting the pump with its outletWithin the container, an extensible and retractable discharge spout,apertured means frictionally engaging the spout and mounting the samefor movement into and out of the container whereby liquid can bedispensed through the spout when it is extended and in consequence ofthe actuation of the air pump, and automatically operable valve meansembodied, with the apertured means for releasing overpressure whenpumping and for preventing the build-up of undesirable excesspressurewithin the container when the same is filled and closed.

2. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe apertured means mounting the spout includes an annular flexiblemember having an inwardly extending rib closely embracing the spout andoperable to clean and dry the same when it is extracted and to preventthe entry of dirt and other foreign matter into the container when thespout is retracted.

3. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe spout constitutes an elongated flexible hose having a lengthsubstantially in excess of the vertical dimensions of the container,said hose having an intake end, and means carried by the hose formaintaining the intake. end thereof at least closely adjacentthe bottomof the container.

4. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 3, in whichthe container has at least a metallic bottom and the means carried bythe hose for maintaining the intake end at least closely adjacent thebottom constitutes a permanent magnet.

5. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe container has an opening therein, the apertured means mounting thespout includes an annular flexible member within the opening, saidmember including a tubular body portion and spaced upper and lowerflanges, said body portion having an external diameter less than thetransverse dimensions of the opening and the said flanges havingtransverse dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of theopening whereby the said annular flexible member is movable relative tothe opening, the tubular body portion of the flexible member having aninternal flexible rib closely embracing the spout with sufficientintensity whereby movement of the spout flexes said rib to move in adirection opposite the direction of movement of the spout so asto cleanthe same regardless of the direction of movement thereof and meansincluding a closure cap for removably closing the spout and the openingin the container when the spout is retracted.

6. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 5, in whichthe spout is an elongated flexible hose.

7. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe apertured means mounting the spout includes a flexible. diaphragmhaving a normally closed slit therein and a central. opening, saiddiaphragm closely embracing the spout so as to flex upon movement of thespout in opposite directions, said slit opening responsive to excessivepressure, said container having an opening therein and means removablysecuring the diaphragm to the opening including cap means operable toclose the end of the spout when the latter is retracted within thecontainer.

8. A dispensing container for liquids as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe container has an opening therein bounded by an outwardly extendingexternally threaded annular portion, the apertured means mounting thespout including the automatically operable valve means and comprising asubstantially rigid annular element overlying the opening, a cap havingan upper externally threaded neck portion, an intermediate body portionof greater transverse dimensions than the neck portion and a lowerinternally threaded portion cooperable with the threads on the annularportion for holding the annular element in place, said spoutconstituting an elongated flexible hose of a diameter to loosely fitthrough the neck portion and which diameter is substantially less thanthe diameter of the opening in the annular element, said hose having anannular gasket at the outer end thereof that seats on the upper end ofthe neck portion, a removable dust cap having internal threadscooperable with the threads on the neck portion for closing the same andholding the gasket and the hose in place, and resilient gasket meanscomprising a tubular body and axially spaced external flexible flangesloosely mounted within the opening in the said annular element, saidflanges having transverse dimensions such as to overlie the respectiveupper and lower surfaces of the annular element outwardly of the openingtherein and said tubular body having an internal flexible rib closelyembracing said hose whereby movement of the hose in opposite directionsflexes said rib so that it cleans the hose, said tubular body movingwith the hose to apply a flange thereof against the surface of theannular element depending on the direction of movement of the hose, saidflexible rib being of suificient flexibility to constitute an excesspressure release valve during pumping, said intermediate body portion ofthe first mentioned cap having vent openings therein and the flange onthe tubular body portion overlying the upper surface of the annularelement having suflicient flexibility sponsive to excess pressureexisting within the container to permit venting thereof through theopening in the annular element and through said vent openings when thehose is fully retracted and the dust cap applied so as to prevent thebuild-up of undesirable excess pressure within the container.

9. In a dispensing container for liquids having an opening therein and ametallic bottom, an elongated flexible discharge hose, means mountingthe hose for movement into and out of the container for storage anddispensing respectively, said hose having a length substantially inexcess of the vertical dimensions of the container and means carried bythe end of the hose that is within the container to normally maintainsaid end at least adjacent the bottom while permitting lateral movementof the hose relative to the bottom.

10. in a dispensing container for liquids having an opening therein anda metallic bottom, an elongated flexible discharge hose, means mountingthe hose for movement into and out of the container for storage anddispensing respectively, said hose having a length substantially inexcess of the vertical dimensions of the container and magnetic meanscarried by the end of the hose that is within the container to normallymaintain said end at least adjacent the bottom while permitting lateralmovement of the hose relative to the bottom.

ll. Means for mounting an elongated flexible hose in an opening in acontainer so as to permit withdrawal of the hose for dispensing purposesand reinsertion of the hose for storage, said means including an annularflexible to yield remember within the opening, said member including atubular body portion and spaced upper and lower flanges, said bodyportion having an external diameter less than the transverse dimensionsof the opening and the said flanges having transverse dimensions greaterthan the corresponding dimensions of the opening whereby the saidannular flexible member is movable relative to the opening, and thetubular body portion of the flexible member having an internal flexiblerib closely embracing the spout with sufficient intensity wherebymovement of the spout flexes said rib to move in a direction oppositethe direction of movement of the spout so as to clean the sameregardless of the direction of movement thereof.

12. Means for mounting an elongated flexible hose in an externallythreaded neck on a container so as to permit extraction of the hose fordispensing purposes and reinsertion of the hose for storage including asubstantially rigid annular element overlying the neck, a cap having anupper externally threaded neck portion and intermediate body portion ofgreater transverse dimensions than the neck portion and a lowerinternally threaded portion cooperable with the threads on the neck forholding the annular element in place, said hose being of a diameter toloosely fit through the neck portion and which diameter is substantiallyless than the diameter of the opening in the annular element, said hosehaving an annular gasket at the outer end thereof that seats on theupper end of the neck, a removable dust cap having internal threadscooperable with the threads on the neck portion for closing the same andholding the gasket and the hose in place, and resilient gasket meanscomprising a tubular body and spaced external flexible flanges looselymounted within the opening in the said annular element, said flangeshaving transverse dimensions such as to overlie the respective upper andlower surfaces of the annular element outwardly of the opening thereinand said tubular body having an internal flexible rib closely embracingsaid hose whereby movement of the hose in opposite directions flexessaid rib so that it cleans the hose, said tubular body moving with thehose to apply a flange thereof against the surface of the annularelement depending on the direction of movement of the hose, saidflexible rib being of sufficient flexibility to constitute an excesspressure release valve, said enlarged body portion of the firstmentioned cap having vent openings therein and the flange on the tubularbody portion overlying the upper surface of the annular element havingsuflicient flexibility to yield responsive to excess pres sure existingwithin the container to permit venting thereof through the opening inthe annular element and through said vent openings when the hose isfully inserted and the dust cap applied so as to prevent the build-up ofundesirable excess pressure within the container.

13. In a dispensing container for liquids of the type having an openingtherein, an annular flexible member removably mounted relative to saidopening, said member including an inner edge, an elongated flexible hoseclosely embraced by said inner edge whereby the hose can be Withdrawnrelative to the container for dispensiug and reinserted therewithin forstorage with the inner edge cleaning the hose as it is moved and saidflexible member further incorporating automatically operable valve meansto release excess pressure from within the container when the hose isstored or withdrawn.

14. In a dispensing container as claimed in claim 13, and in which theannular flexible member is an apertured diaphragm having a normallyclosed slit therein constituting the valve means.

15. In a dispensing container as claimed in claim 13, in which theannular flexible member includes a tubular body portion and spaced upperand lower flexible flanges, said body portion having an externaldiameter less than the transverse dimensions of the opening and theflanges having transverse dimensions greater than the correspondingdimensions of the opening, said tubular body portion having an internalflexible rib constituting the inner edge closely embracing the hosewhereby the flexible member is movable relative to the opening inresponse to the movement ofthe hose so as to apply one or the other ofsaid flanges on and over the opening depending upon the direction ofmovement of the hose, said upper flexible flange being movableresponsive to pressure and constituting an automatically operable valvemeans to relieve excess pressure when the hose is stored and the saidrib yielding responsive to pressure and constituting an automaticallyoperable valve means to release excess pressure when the hose iswithdrawn.

16. An attachment for a dispensing container and which container is ofthe type from which liquid is dis charged under pressure through adischarge opening, said attachment comprising a tubular memberincorporating means for removably attaching the same to the dischargeopening in the container, said tubular member having vent openingstherein, an elongated flexible dispensing tube, apertured and flexiblemeans yieldingly and frictionally engaging the dispensing tube andremovably supported relative to the opening in the container by saidtubular member so as to permit extension and retraction of the dischargetube relative to the container, and said apertured and flexible meansincluding pressure relief valve means automatically operable to relievepressure from within the container through said vent openings in thetubular member.

17. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, inwhich the tubular member includes an upper externally threaded portionhaving a rim, a cap for closing said portion, and washer means carriedby the end of the flexible discharge tube and having transversedimensions such as to permit the seating thereof on the saidn'm, and aremovable closure cap having internal threads cooperable with thethreads on the upper portion for clamping the washer to the rim when theflexible discharge tube is retracted within the container.

18. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, inwhich the apertured end flexible means constitutes a centrally apertureddiaphragm closely embracing the tube and said diaphragm having anormally closed slit therein constituting the pressure relief valvemeans.

19. An attachment for a dispensing container as claimed in claim 16, inwhich the apertured and flexible means includes a rigid member having anaperture therein adapted to be supported on the discharge opening, aflexible member including a tubular body portion and spaced upper andlower flexible flanges, said body portion having an external diameterless than the transverse dimension of the aperture in the rigid memberand the flanges having transverse dimensions greater than thecorresponding dimensions of the aperture, said tubular body portionhaving an internal flexible rib yield ingly and frictionally engagingthe discharge tube whereby the flexible body portion is movable relativeto the aperture in the rigid member in response to axial movement of theflexible discharge tube in either direction so as to apply one or theother of said flanges on and over the opening, depending upon thedirection of movement of said discharge tube, said internal rib cleaningthe discharge tube as it is moved, and the pressure relief valve meansconstituting a first valve means comprising said upper flexible flangethat is movable resp0nsive to pressure to automatically relieve excesspressure from within the container when the discharge tube is retractedand a second relief valve means comprising said rib which is yieldableresponsive to pressure to release excess pressure from the containerWhen the flexible discharge tube is extended.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS566,723 Alexander Aug. 25, 1896 655,954 Brooks Aug. 14, 1900 1,843,532Willson Feb. 2, 1932 1,938,174 Davis Dec. 5, 1933

